Antique Marble Fireplaces
Stunning antique marble fireplaces, mantels & chimneypieces made in variety of different antique marbles, including Sienna marble, Statuary marble, Cippolino marble and Verde antico marble.
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Stock: 15061
A Louis XV Sienna Marble Rococo style fire surround. The serpentine shaped breakfront shelf, with podium to either end, rests above a split panelled frieze centred by a rocaille cartouche. The scrolled foliate endblocks sit above angled volute jambs with carved acanthus leaf to the bottom above shaped footblocks. French, mid 19th century.
Shown here with andirons SNo 12469 not included.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
57 7⁄8"
147 cms |
44 3⁄8"
112.7 cms |
15 11⁄16"
40 cms |
| Internal |
37 13⁄16"
96 cms |
37"
94 cms |
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Stock: 14405
A Louis XV Rococo style chimneypiece in fine Carrara Marble. The shaped moulded shelf sits above a panelled frieze centred by a large acanthus wrapped shell cartouche with rosette medallions to either side. Large scrolled acanthus endblocks rest above angled stop fluted volute jambs. A near pair to Stock No 14189.
French, late 19th century.
Shown here with firebasket SNo 14236 not included.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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shelf width |
height |
depth |
| External |
60 3⁄8"
153.5 cms |
43 1⁄8"
109.5 cms |
16 7⁄8"
43 cms |
| Internal |
42 1⁄8"
107 cms |
35"
88.8 cms |
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Stock: 14721
A large Louis XV style chimneypiece in finely figured Italian Arabescato Marble. The wide serpentine shelf of this antique fire surround rests on the panelled frieze which is centred by a finely carved classical female mask with acanthus leaf scrolls above the shaped opening. The endblocks bear smaller masks above tapering, angled volute jambs. French, circa 1870.
Please note photos before restoration.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
75 5⁄8"
192 cms |
49 5⁄8"
126 cms |
15 11⁄16"
40 cms |
| Internal |
50 5⁄8"
128.5 cms |
42 1⁄2"
108 cms |
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Stock: 15221
A Victorian chimneypiece in dark grey and white figured St Anne Marble. The moulded shelf of this antique fireplace sits above the plain frieze and is supported by a pair of simple corbels on plain jambs raised on sturdy footblocks.
English, circa 1870.
The St Anne Marble quarries are located at Gougnies, near Charleroi and at Biesme in the province of Namur in Belgium.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
66 1⁄8"
168 cms |
47 5⁄8"
121 cms |
11"
28 cms |
| Internal |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
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Stock: 10819
A wide moulded Bolection chimneypiece in veined green Tinos Verde Marble the jambs raised on shaped footblocks. English circa 1860.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
63"
160 cms |
42 7⁄8"
109 cms |
5 1⁄8"
13 cms |
| Internal |
51 3⁄16"
130 cms |
37"
94 cms |
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Stock: 15195
A late 18th century Georgian chimneypiece carved in Statuary Marble with Verde Antico frieze panels and slips to the opening.
This chimneypiece was carved by the sculptor Thomas Carter (d.1795) and designed by the architect Charles Cameron, who installed it at 15 Hanover Square, London W1 c.1774 - a property which has subsequently been demolished.
It was almost certainly designed for one of the principle rooms in the house. The Statuary Marble chimneypiece is boldly carved, uniting both Neoclassical and Palladian ideals to create an ornate yet elegantly balanced piece. The central tablet is carved in high relief with a depiction of putti representing the Arts, Sciences, Knowledge and Industry. It is centred on the frieze beneath the wide breakfront shelf and is in turn flanked by a pair of large stylised, foliate endblocks which sit above the sweeping console jambs.
English, circa 1774.
Provenance: 15 Hanover Square was designed in the 1770s by the architect Charles Cameron for Jervoise Clark (1743-1808) Member of Parliament for Yarmouth, on the Isle of Wight. The chimneypiece was installed there in the 1770s. It was taken out when the house was demolished in 1904 and was subsequently promoted by prominent antique dealers of the time among them Mr Pratt, Messrs Keeble, Gill & Reigate & Sir Charles Allom. It was Illustrated in English Chimneypieces by Guy Cadogan Rothery published by John Tiranti in 1927 (please see the scanned image below).
Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
|
86 3⁄16"
219 cms |
63 1⁄2"
161.2 cms |
12"
30.6 cms |
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47 5⁄8"
121 cms |
43 11⁄16"
111 cms |
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Stock: 14203
A fine Louis XV style Rococo chimneypiece carved in Carrara Marble together with its original ornate cast iron insert. The serpentine shaped breakfront shelf, with podium to either end, rests above a split panelled frieze with a central shell cartouche flanked by
scrolled foliate endblocks which sit above angled volute jamb terminating in scrolled acanthus feet above curved footblocks. French, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
60 13⁄16"
154.5 cms |
42 1⁄4"
107.5 cms |
16 1⁄4"
41.5 cms |
| Internal |
44"
111.8 cms |
32 1⁄8"
81.5 cms |
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Stock: 14300
A graceful Louis XVI lightly veined Statuary Marble fire surround. The frieze, centred by a charming oval ormolu plaque with a depiction of cherub musicians, is flanked by inset panels with scrolling ormolu foliage. Applied ormolu wreaths adorn the endblocks set above tapering console jambs with a chain of descending ormolu beading and panels of patterned vents are set into the side returns. French, circa 1780.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
53 1⁄8"
135 cms |
42 1⁄8"
107 cms |
14"
35.5 cms |
| Internal |
36 5⁄8"
93 cms |
32 1⁄8"
81.5 cms |
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Stock: 15217
A small Louis XVI style antique fireplace surround in softly figured Breche Violette Marble.The shaped and moulded shelf sits above a split panelled frieze centred by a carved rosette.The endblocks, enhanced with a pair of square floral paterae, rest above angled, stop fluted jambs supported on curved footblocks. French, circa 1880.
Shown here with andirons SNo 13840 not included.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
51 3⁄8"
130.5 cms |
43 1⁄8"
109.6 cms |
13 3⁄16"
33.6 cms |
| Internal |
37 3⁄16"
94.5 cms |
33 11⁄16"
85.5 cms |
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Stock: 15172
A large and fine early Regency Statuary Marble antique fireplace surround delicately elegant in it's simplicity. The moulded shelf sits above a plain frieze centred by a swag, rosette and ribbon enhanced tablet. The stylised vases with bellflower drapes on the endblocks rest above attached tapering columns on the jambs supported on stepped footblocks. English, circa 1800.
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Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
63 1⁄8"
160.3 cms |
53 1⁄8"
134.8 cms |
8 1⁄2"
21.5 cms |
| Internal |
42 3⁄8"
107.6 cms |
42 1⁄8"
107 cms |
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Stock: 15109
A finely veined Carrara Marble Victorian corbel fireplace surround with large corbels supporting the wide moulded shelf. English, circa 1860.
Shown here with fire basket SNo 15069 not included.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
71 1⁄8"
180.5 cms |
47 3⁄8"
120.5 cms |
13 1⁄8"
33.2 cms |
| Internal |
38"
96.5 cms |
37 11⁄16"
95.8 cms |
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Stock: 8739
A carved white marble fireplace mantel in the English Regency Greek Revival manner with recessed panels and carved anthymion endblocks.
English 20th century.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
74"
188 cms |
49 3⁄16"
125 cms |
11 3⁄8"
29 cms |
| Internal |
44 1⁄2"
113 cms |
40"
101.5 cms |
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Stock: 14085
A small and delightful Louis XVI style antique fire surround crafted in boldly stated Breche Violette Marble together with its original rather fine steel and brass insert framed within a well defined brass overlapping laurel leaf band, the opening edged with a brass tongue and dart border.
French, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
| external |
49 3⁄8"
125.5 cms |
41 7⁄8"
106.5 cms |
14"
35.5 cms |
| internal |
36 13⁄16"
93.5 cms |
35"
89 cms |
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Stock: 10187
A well proportioned Regency style Statuary Marble fireplace surround. The panelled frieze centred by a rosette medallion framed by inlaid Spanish Brocatelle Marble within delicately carved entwined stem edged panels, echoed on the endblocks and the jambs. Identical to SNo 10058. English, mid 19th Century.
Shown here with fire basket SNo 13822 not included.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
68 1⁄8"
173 cms |
51 5⁄8"
131 cms |
12"
30.5 cms |
| Internal |
40"
101.5 cms |
38 1⁄4"
97.2 cms |
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Stock: 11362
A very fine authentic replica of 17th century Italian Baroque fireplace surround carved from the solid in three sections in beige, pale yellow and rose, faintly veined Nembro Marble.The frieze, integral with the shelf, is centred by a cartouche carved in characteristic Lombardian high relief and possibly inspired by marine life. The whole is supported by a pair of moulded jambs. Italian, mid 20th century.
Shown here with andirons SNo 10202 recently sold.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
73 1⁄4"
186.2 cms |
53 11⁄16"
136.5 cms |
9 13⁄16"
24.8 cms |
| Internal |
51 3⁄16"
130 cms |
40 7⁄8"
104 cms |
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Stock: 14722
A Louis XVI style antique fireplace surround in finely coloured and veined Skyros Marble. This unusual and attractive marble, quarried on the Greek island of Skyros and otherwise known as Skaris Marble, was first discovered by the Romans and was one of the most important marbles used by their architects and sculptors throughout the Roman Empire. It is understood that the marble extraction on the island ceased with the coming of World War II (1939-1945).
French, late 19th century.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
57 1⁄4"
145.5 cms |
43 1⁄2"
110.5 cms |
15 5⁄8"
39.5 cms |
| Internal |
40 7⁄8"
104 cms |
34 1⁄8"
86.5 cms |
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Stock: 15122
A very fine example of a Louis XVI style Statuary Marble fireplace surround. The breakfront shelf rests above a bead framed frieze centred by a delicately carved ribboned, leaf and berry wreath and sprigs, flanked on the endblocks by square foliate paterae. The tapering jambs are surmounted by large acanthus leaf corbels above rope moulding.
French, mid 19th century.
Shown here with a pair of andirons SNo 15115 not included.
Link to: Antique French chimneypieces inc. Louis XVI, French Empire fireplace mantels.
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width |
height |
depth |
| External |
61 1⁄2"
156.2 cms |
43 11⁄16"
111 cms |
9 5⁄8"
24.5 cms |
| Internal |
44 1⁄2"
113 cms |
33 1⁄4"
84.7 cms |
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Stock: 15124
A large, late Victorian Derbyshire Fossil Limestone Bolection fire surround with a polished satin finish. The moulded frieze and jambs raised on substantial and sturdy footblocks.
English, circa 1900.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
66 1⁄8"
168 cms |
48"
122 cms |
4 1⁄8"
10.3 cms |
| Internal |
50"
127 cms |
40"
101.5 cms |
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Stock: 15110
A boldly veined, white English Marble fire surround in the traditional late Victorian style with large corbels on substantial jambs beneath the wide shelf.
English, c.1860.
Shown with register grate 15093 ot included.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
68 7⁄8"
175 cms |
45 1⁄8"
114.5 cms |
12"
30.5 cms |
| Internal |
36 3⁄16"
92 cms |
35 13⁄16"
91 cms |
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Stock: 15062
A decorative Louis XV, Rococo style fire surround in lightly veined Carrara Marble. The shaped and moulded shelf rests above a scrolling frieze centred by a fine, large foliate and floral cartouche flanked by scrolled endblocks above angled panelled jambs terminating with foliate detail above plain footblocks. French, late 19th century.
Shown with fire basket SNo 14898 not included.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
57 11⁄16"
146.5 cms |
42 1⁄4"
107.5 cms |
17 5⁄8"
44.8 cms |
| Internal |
38 5⁄8"
98 cms |
34 7⁄8"
88.7 cms |
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Stock: 15108
A set of Victorian Pavonazza Marble fireplace ingrounds in the Tudor style with moulded jambs beneath a slow arched opening raised on turned plinth foot blocks.
English, mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
56 7⁄8"
144.4 cms |
49 11⁄16"
126.3 cms |
3 7⁄8"
9.8 cms |
| Internal |
48"
122 cms |
45 13⁄16"
116.3 cms |
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Stock: 7944
A decorative Georgian style chimneypiece in Statuary & Sienna marble with a moulded breakfront shelf above a central panel. This panel depicts a group of playful putti wrestling a ram, bearing a mask and climbing a tree in a forest setting, bordered by oval paterae and bellflower garlands and putti endblocks over similarly carved jambs. English, circa 1890.
Shown here with fire basket SNo 10350 now sold.
Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
70"
177.8 cms |
59 1⁄2"
151.1 cms |
7 1⁄2"
19 cms |
| Internal |
41 11⁄16"
106 cms |
43 1⁄2"
110.5 cms |
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Stock: 14773
An elegant High Renaissance style polished Belgian Black Marble antique fireplace mantel. The fluted panelled frieze is centred by a strapwork tablet flanked by foliate detailed endblocks resting above Rosso Antico Marble tapering, free standing columns raised on double footblocks.
Flemish, 19th century.
Shown here with andirons SNo 12784 not included.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
63 3⁄8"
161 cms |
54 7⁄8"
139.5 cms |
15"
38 cms |
| Internal |
36 3⁄8"
92.5 cms |
40 3⁄16"
102 cms |
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Stock: 14843
An elegant twin columned Regency chimneypiece in white Statuary Marble. The wide moulded shelf, above a plain frieze, rests on two pairs of half round tapering columns with finely carved acanthus capitals and demi-lune stepped feet. English, circa 1820.
Shown here with fire basket SNo 14370 not yet on the web.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
84"
213.4 cms |
49 3⁄8"
125.5 cms |
13 7⁄8"
35.2 cms |
| Internal |
46 1⁄4"
117.5 cms |
40 5⁄8"
103 cms |
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Stock: 14992
A large arched Victorian chimneypiece in pure white Statuary Marble. The wide moulded shelf rests above an arched opening set with a central floral keystone flanked by carved spandrels of birds perched on stylised fern sprays with descending buds and tendrils.
English circa 1860.
Shown here with firegrate SNo 14370 not included and not yet on the web.
Link to: Antique Victorian, William IV and Edwardian fireplaces and chimneypieces.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
76 3⁄8"
194 cms |
49"
124.5 cms |
14 3⁄8"
36.5 cms |
| Internal |
40 3⁄16"
102 cms |
35 5⁄8"
90.5 cms |
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Stock: 11278
A period Louis XV fireplace surround in Pierre de Bourguignon, Burgundy Stone known in French as a Pierre Marbrier because of its hard, marble like character whereby it takes a polish. This one with the serpentine shelf integral with the panelled frieze centred by a delicate shell cartouche flanked either end by kidney shaped angled upper jamb decoration. French, late 17th, early 18th century.
Shown here with andirons SNo 11106 not included.
Link to: Antique Rococo Chimneypieces inc Louis XV English Scottish Chippendale Rococo fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
59 13⁄16"
152 cms |
44 1⁄8"
112 cms |
8 7⁄8"
22.7 cms |
| Internal |
48 13⁄16"
124 cms |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
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Stock: 8410
A large and very well executed white marble 20th century copy of a Regency chimneypiece. The wide breakfront shelf, which rests above a plain frieze centred by a large plaque decorated with husks, fruits and foliage, is flanked by two pairs of scrolled brackets pinned by scallop shells and framing female mask medallions supported by simple but substantial jambs resting on sturdy footblocks. Provenance: Made for a large house in Eaton Square in London.
English mid 20th century.
Similar fireplaces were once seen in The Library at Courteenhall, Northamptonshire and in The Coffee Room at The Travellers Club in London as shown in the last two images.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
87"
221 cms |
52"
132.1 cms |
14 1⁄2"
36.8 cms |
| Internal |
50"
127 cms |
41"
104.1 cms |
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Stock: 14849
A large and imposing white Statuary Marble Gothic Revival chimneypiece together with it's original cast iron and brass mounted insert. The shaped moulded shelf rests above triple columns which frame the slow arched opening and are linked by a large central keystone with deeply carved quatrefoil and shield detail. Larger carved quatrefoil appear on the spandrels. The cast iron insert, with integral toothed front grate bars, is distinctive for its applied cast brass Gothic tracery. English, circa 1840.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
72 5⁄8"
184.5 cms |
54 1⁄8"
137.5 cms |
11 3⁄16"
28.5 cms |
| Internal |
43 11⁄16"
111 cms |
41 1⁄4"
105 cms |
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Stock: 14873
An elegant, early Regency antique fireplace surround, of elegant simplicity, in finely carved pure white Statuary Marble. The breakfront shelf, with a curved moulded undershelf, rests above a panelled, fluted frieze centred with a carved plaque depicting a flambeau urn and swags. Oval floral paterae adorn the endblocks above slim fluted columns on neat footblocks fronting the jambs. Scottish, circa 1810.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
65 1⁄2"
166.4 cms |
56 1⁄4"
143 cms |
7 7⁄8"
20 cms |
| Internal |
41 11⁄16"
106 cms |
43 1⁄4"
110 cms |
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Stock: 11066
A fine Italian Baroque Bolection fireplace carved in warm Sarrancolin Marble. The simple, deep moulded shelf rests above the inset moulded bolection which is supported on elegantly shaped footblocks.
Italian, mid 19th century.
Link to: Antique Baroque Chimneypieces inc English, Italian, French, Flemish Bolection fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
65 3⁄16"
165.7 cms |
45 1⁄2"
115.5 cms |
14 1⁄2"
36.8 cms |
| Internal |
48 3⁄16"
122.5 cms |
37"
94 cms |
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Stock: 14354
An elegant Regency antique fireplace surround in cool grey veined Pencil Marble with a plain frieze flanked by a pair of substantial bullseye endblocks above round attached columns fronting the jambs.
English, early 19th century.
Shown here with insert SNo 14334 not included.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
61 1⁄4"
155.7 cms |
44 1⁄2"
113 cms |
10"
25.5 cms |
| Internal |
37 11⁄16"
95.7 cms |
38 3⁄16"
97 cms |
|
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Stock: 14780
A tall and finely made white Statuary Marble Georgian chimneypiece. The wide corniced shelf rests above the plain frieze which is centred by a tablet depicting The Triumph of Love. Flanking the frieze are laurel wreathed endblocks above fielded jambs with corbels in the form of stylised fern fronds terminating in bellflowers. This antique fireplace exudes the simple elegance characteristic of the period. English, circa 1790.
Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
74 13⁄16"
190 cms |
59 5⁄8"
151.5 cms |
7 1⁄2"
19 cms |
| Internal |
45 1⁄4"
115 cms |
43 5⁄8"
110.8 cms |
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Stock: 14553
Early nineteenth-century Italian chimneypiece in Carrara marble, with a richly carved under-shelf and frieze. The recessed frieze has a central tablet carved with Venus in repose; this is flanked by two pairs of birds, each bearing a garland in their beaks. The endblocks are carved with large Medusa masks which rest on engaged fluted columns with delicately carved capitals of curling acanthus leaves. The fluted columned jambs gently widen to finish in an elegant base.
Italian, circa 1830.
Shown here with fire grate SNo 14629.
Link to: Antique English Regency chimneypieces inc. George IV fireplace mantels.
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
73 3⁄16"
186 cms |
52 3⁄16"
132.5 cms |
12 3⁄16"
31 cms |
| Internal |
54 1⁄4"
138 cms |
42 1⁄8"
107 cms |
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Stock: 14714
A large and majestic twin columned Carrara Marble antique chimneypiece. The deeply moulded cornice shelf rests above a panelled frieze, with a central plain shield surrounded by scrolled foliate detail, flanked by square paterae endblocks. The free standing tapering columns, with exhuberantly carved capitals, are raised on substantial buttoned footblocks. Belgian, late 19th century.
Shown here with firegrate SNo 14374 not included.
Link to: Antique Renaissance, Gothic Tudor Fireplace mantels and Chimneypieces: 1260 - 1600
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
72 3⁄16"
183.5 cms |
61 3⁄8"
156 cms |
25 13⁄16"
65.5 cms |
| Internal |
36 5⁄8"
93 cms |
42 11⁄16"
108.5 cms |
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Stock: 14357
A finely carved Georgian style Statuary Marble mid Victorian antique fireplace surround. The moulded shelf rests above the delicately veined Sienna Marble fluted freeze, with alternating medallions, centred by a large garlanded urn tablet. Oval rosette paterae adorn the endblocks above tall stylised flambeau urn and vase carved detail on the jambs. English, mid 19th century.
Link to a section showing full range of similar/related neo-classical chimneypieces
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Width |
Height |
Depth |
| External |
69 13⁄16"
177.3 cms |
57"
144.7 cms |
7 1⁄2"
19 cms |
| Internal |
41 1⁄4"
105 cms |
40 7⁄8"
104 cms |
|
Marble fireplaces
Our stunning collection of antique marble fireplaces, mantels and chimneypieces features fireplaces made in a variety of different antique marbles, including Sienna marble, Statuary marble, Cippolino marble and Verde Antico marble.
A brief history of marble
Marble has been used in architecture for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian cultures. Its ability to bear immense weight made it ideal for supporting structures and monolithic columns in public, private and religious buildings. Prized for its beauty and resilience, marble has been used in some of the world’s most iconic buildings, including the Parthenon, the Taj Mahal and the Palace of Versailles.
Marble has been popular for its use in sculpture since classical times. In fact, the word ‘marble’ derives from the Ancient Greek mármaron, which means ‘crystalline rock, shining stone’. Light is able to penetrate several millimetres into marble before being scattered out, producing the characteristic ‘glow’ that seems to give life to sculptures.
The introduction of marble fireplaces
Marble fireplaces have been popular for hundreds of years. Marble has been highly prized as a material for fireplaces due to its softness - which makes it easier to carve - its strength, and, perhaps most of all, its elegance and air of luxury.
The oldest piece in our collection of antique marble fireplaces dates back to around 1460. This extremely rare chimneypiece is carved in Pietra d’Istria marble from the Istrian Peninsula near Venice, and is attributed to Giorgio da Sebenico, sculptor of the Duomo San Francesco, Cathedral of Ancona.
A taste for marble fireplaces
Marble fireplaces remained fashionable in Europe throughout the 15th and 16th Centuries and were particularly popular during the Georgian, Regency and Victorian eras.
The first half of the Georgian era saw marble fireplaces influenced heavily by the classical temple architecture of the Greeks and Romans. Halfway through the 18th Century, designer and architect Robert Adam revolutionised fireplace design with his neoclassical fireplaces.
Marble fireplaces were much sought-after during the Regency period, particularly those made from Statuary marble. However, the onset of the Napoleonic wars in 1803 made its cost prohibitive to all but the wealthiest, and largely restricted its use to grand public rooms.
From the early to mid Victorian era these fireplaces were typically very ornate, featuring intricate floral designs. Later Victorian fireplaces show a preference for simpler, more geometric designs.
Antique marble fireplaces
Antique marble fireplaces are still very much in demand, and it’s easy to see why. From the simplest to the most sumptuously extravagant, a marble fireplace can be tastefully integrated into either a traditional or modern room to make a beautiful and striking focal point.
Our collection of antique marble fireplaces is one of the most comprehensive in the world. A display spanning such a breadth of styles, periods and materials is unlikely to be found elsewhere.